Diego Poyet, a former player who once captained England's youth teams and was part of Uruguay's Sub-20 squad in the 2015 World Cup, has undergone an impressive transformation since retiring at just 24 years old. His journey is marked by a significant change both physically and mentally, as he transitioned from being a midfielder to becoming a passionate gym enthusiast.
Poyet’s story began with his early career in England, where he was part of the West Ham United youth setup before moving on to represent Uruguay at the 2015 World Cup. However, after facing health issues and professional setbacks, Poyet found himself struggling mentally. He recounted: 'I started feeling bad not just during training but also at home. I wasn’t depressed, but I was going through a rough patch.'
Seeking an outlet for his emotions, Poyet began visiting the gym regularly. Initially, it was just to pass time and stay occupied, but he soon found himself enjoying the workouts. 'I started going to the gym every afternoon when I was alone,' he explained. 'I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed it until it became a bigger part of my life.'
This newfound passion led Poyet to study nutrition and fitness, eventually becoming an assistant coach under his father Gustavo, who is also a former professional footballer.
Gustavo Poyet shared insights into his son’s transformation. 'He dedicates himself fully to everything he does,' Gustavo said. 'For example, when we went out for dinner, everyone had a beer or glass of wine; it was impossible for him. He never drinks alcohol.'
The physical changes are evident in Poyet's physique, which has transformed from that of a lean midfielder to a robust bodybuilder. His Instagram account showcases videos of intense weightlifting and extreme strength training routines. 'The transition wasn’t sudden but the result of strict discipline based on three pillars: eliminating intense cardio, adopting a hypercaloric diet, and focusing on strength training,' Poyet explained.
Currently, Diego Poyet works as an assistant coach under his father Gustavo at Universidad Católica de Chile. His journey serves as a testament to the power of discipline and dedication, even outside the realm of professional football.
